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ToggleI’ve already talked about American football and the Super Bowl quite a few times, despite the fact that I just started this blog. The reason is simple: the Super Bowl History is extremely rich and it has been THE sports marketing event for years. In 2024, it grew even bigger, attracting even more star power beyond the American football ecosystem.
For me, it’s one of those events I watch every year, even though I don’t follow the NFL too much. And there are more reasons for that beyond American football being such an interesting sport to watch (thank you, Netflix, for the Christmas games this year ❤️).
From a casual viewer’s perspective—say, my wife and her friends—the halftime show always gets mentioned in conversations after the Super Bowl. From a sports marketing perspective—the Super Bowl has become THE event to see how brands bring their A-game and deliver the best sports ads around.
All of this leads to the fact that, in terms of viewership, only the moon can compete with the Super Bowl. The 2024 edition of the “big game” was watched by over 123 million people, making it the second most-watched U.S. television broadcast ever, right after the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 (Majidi, 2024).
So, naturally, I ask: what is the Super Bowl history that led to it becoming this sports marketing giant? Why isn’t it the NBA Finals, soccer (for you American readers), the Olympics, or any other sporting event that captures so much of America’s attention, and why Super Bowl is regarded as the most visible advertising event of the year (Jin, 2003; Mohr, 2007)? Why does a 30-second ad spot cost over 5 million dollars (The Switch, 2024)?
Most of the articles I’ve read analyze the high cost of ads, why the event attracts such massive audiences, and the like. But what piques my interest is this: What laid the foundation for this particular sporting event to stand out among hundreds of others? What made the Super Bowl the ultimate destination for sports fans, marketers, and pop culture enthusiasts like myself—and millions of others? Let’s dive into the Super Bowl history and other Super Bowl fun facts.
Super Bowl Fun Facts (Sports Marketing wise)

While researching, I came across even more interesting facts that expanded my understanding of how phenomenal the Super Bowl is from a sports marketing perspective.
A list of Super Bowl fun facts (sports marketing-wise):
- According to Mohr (2007), a Super Bowl party is the main social event of the year for many Americans, with an average of 17% of people attending a Super Bowl party—over 20 million Americans.
- Half of all Americans would rather go to a Super Bowl party than a New Year’s Eve party (Mohr, 2007).
- Super Bowl weekend is the slowest weekend for weddings (Mohr, 2007).
- On average, Super Bowl plans are made 41 days in advance, according to research. For comparison, New Year’s plans are made 35 days in advance, anniversary plans 30 days, and birthday plans 25 days (Mohr, 2007).
- Brands that advertise during the Super Bowl see a significant rise in online searches for their brand (Li & Watanabe, 2022).
- Super Bowl advertising rapidly impacts the market before competitors can respond (Dotterweich and Collins, 2005). For instance, Yelkur et al. (2004) found that audiences became more interested in Super Bowl-promoted films, contributing to higher box office revenue than non-Super Bowl promoted movies.
- Newell et al. (2001) report that people have better recall of Super Bowl ads because the high-energy, party-like atmosphere reinforces memories. Jeong and Tran (2014) supported this effect on brand recall.
- Consumers tend to have a more positive attitude toward brands advertised during the game (Chen et al., 2014), and they also show higher purchase intentions (Choi and Yoh, 2011; Akcay et al., 2013).
Super Bowl History

Alright, let’s dive into the history of the Super Bowl. To really understand how it all started, we need to rewind to the 1960s. The Super Bowl was born out of the merger between two professional football leagues in the U.S.: the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL).
This merger was finalized in 1966, and part of the deal was that the two leagues would play a championship game each year to determine the best team in the country. The first Super Bowl, originally called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, took place in January 1967. But it wasn’t the media spectacle we know today.
That said, it was already gaining traction. According to Kedmey (2020), the earliest recorded complaint about a Super Bowl commercial appeared in TIME Magazine in 1968, just after 70 million Americans had tuned in for Super Bowl II. Even then, commercial time for the Super Bowl telecast was selling for an unprecedented $150,000 a minute.
With this kind of early success, it’s clear that the Super Bowl wasn’t just a popular event—it was the start of something huge. But beyond its popularity, we need to dig deeper and understand why American football became the sport for Americans.
Super Bowl American Football History

Honestly, when I started this article, I had no idea how deep I’d need to dive. Tracing the origins and understanding the phenomenon of American football took me all the way back to the late 1800s, reading books written by the sport’s inventor, Walter Camp, and into the early-mid 1900s—when the sport sparked countless debates, especially in the 1940s, due to its brutality. Nonetheless, I’ve got to say it was a pleasure diving into this research, and I hope you find it just as interesting to read.
Now if you want to really get into this, I suggest you read Unexceptional exceptionalism: the origins of American football in a transnational context by Collins (2013), as it dives deep and explores both the history and the psychological side of why American football is so popular, how it connects to American exceptionalism.
So, as I say, read that if you want extended information, while I will provide some shortened versions that work towards my case.
The Origins of American Football
American football wasn’t just born overnight—it grew out of the rise of physical education in the 1860s and 1870s. As the middle class grew, especially in law and medicine, Americans started to realize that city life wasn’t exactly good for their health. In 1857, The New York Times pointed out that while New Yorkers were richer than Londoners, they were way less healthy. Why? Because Brits were already deep into sports like football at schools like Eton and Rugby. Naturally, Americans started catching on.
By the 1870s, sports were becoming a big deal in American schools, partly thanks to the success of Tom Brown’s Schooldays, a book that inspired both Americans and Brits. This helped set the stage for American football. Schools embraced the idea that sports could build strong bodies and strong character.
Meanwhile, the end of Reconstruction made many Americans eager to expand their influence. They looked to Britain’s success, and saw that sports—especially rugby—were a huge part of it. So, American schools started using sports to shape character too, following a British model but with an American twist.
That’s where Walter Camp comes in. He’s often called the “Father of American Football.” Camp was key in making football its own sport. He took rugby’s rough rules and cleaned them up, adding things like the line of scrimmage to make the game more structured, faster, and more tactical. His changes reflected American values like individualism and competition.
What made Camp’s changes special wasn’t just the sport itself, but what it stood for—building strength, discipline, and national pride. American football became more than a game; it was about pushing yourself, your team, and your country to be better.
Brutality vs Intellectuality of the Game
Football is often seen as a brutal sport, and there’s no denying that the violence is a key part of what draws people in. As Troy Aikman, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, once put it, “It’s the violence of the sport, the violence of the sport attracts us to the game” (Paolantonio, 2015). That raw intensity is something that grabs attention, and it’s part of what makes football such an electrifying spectacle. But there’s much more to the game than just physical force.
G. T. W. Patrick (1903) described the polarized views surrounding American football. On one side, critics saw the sport as a force for destruction—players being treated as property, fans becoming unruly, and violence permeating both the field and the stands. He described a crowd of spectators, whipped into a frenzy, cheering for victors while hurling abuse at referees. It painted football as a chaotic, almost corrupting force. But on the other hand, Patrick pointed to a more optimistic perspective. In The Forum, a writer hailed football as “a school of morals and manners,” claiming the sport instilled values like self-control, courage, and teamwork. The crowd, Patrick suggested, wasn’t just a mob; they were “an orderly, well-dressed, cultivated mass of humanity,” there to witness a contest that depended on the players’ temperance and bravery.
Despite the common perception of football as a brutal game, Walter Camp, often called the “Father of American Football,” believed it was actually an intellectual sport. In 1894, Camp argued that American football’s true superiority over other sports was rooted in its mental complexity. He claimed that football wasn’t just about the physical struggle between teams, but about strategic thinking and leadership. The game wasn’t won by raw strength alone, but by how well the players applied their strength through thought and coordination. “The game is won by the superior mental work of the winning team,” Camp wrote, highlighting the importance of the captain’s leadership and the mental agility of each player. This wasn’t just a physical contest—it was a game of quick thinking and strategic planning, where the best players weren’t just the strongest but the smartest.
In Camp’s view, football required an understanding of the rules, the ability to make decisions on the fly, and the mental toughness to execute a plan under pressure. The rules themselves, with their subtle nuances and quick decisions, demanded a level of mental sharpness that set football apart from more straightforward physical contests. Players had to stay aware, stay smart, and adapt to the flow of the game, making every play a calculated move.
So, while football may seem brutal on the surface, its intellectual demands are equally significant. It’s a game where physicality and strategy go hand in hand. Yes, it’s about strength, but it’s just as much about the brainpower behind that strength. Camp’s insights show that American football isn’t merely about aggression; it’s a complex, cerebral sport that requires a combination of mental and physical agility.
In conclusion, football stands out not just for its raw power but for its intellectual depth. It’s a game that blends the brutal with the thoughtful, where strategy and mental toughness are just as important as physical prowess. This duality is part of what makes football uniquely American—capturing the country’s spirit of both strength and intellect.
Why American Football is the American Sport?
American football is often cited as a prime example of American exceptionalism. T. Collins (2013) notes that football’s rules, along with the fact that it’s played professionally only in the U.S., make it a clear reflection of what sets America apart from other nations. It’s not just about the game itself—it’s a symbol of how the U.S. is distinct, unique, and exceptional compared to the old-world traditions of soccer in Europe and rugby in the former British colonies.
This idea of American exceptionalism has deep roots, dating back to Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America(1840). He observed that America’s exceptionalism stemmed from its absence of a feudal past, its vast geography, and its social mobility, all contributing to the notion of the “American Dream.” Collins (2013) points out that this idea isn’t just about politics—it’s reflected in the culture of American football.
David Riesman and Reuel Denney’s influential 1951 article, Football in America: A Study in Cultural Diffusion, delves into how American football diverged from rugby. They argued that rugby’s ambiguous rules were rooted in the shared understandings of British upper-class men, who accepted that ambiguity as part of the tradition. But for Americans, this was unacceptable. “In America, it was quite another matter to solve such problems,” they wrote. America’s culture, they argued, demanded clarity and structure, which led to the evolution of football’s more rigid rules.
Michael Oriard (2000), a leading historian of the sport, echoed this idea in his book Reading Football, stating that American football’s rejection of rugby’s rules was a perfect example of cultural differences between America and Britain. “American exceptionalism” might oversimplify things, but in this case, it’s clear that the two nations’ cultures were fundamentally different when it came to the game.
As Tom Coughlin put it, “Football explains America” because “it is a game in which you have to pay a great price just to have the opportunity to be in a position to compete on game day.” The sport requires an incredible amount of sacrifice, teamwork, and commitment, much like the values that have shaped America throughout its history, such as during World War II. It’s not just about winning—it’s about giving everything for the team, and that’s something uniquely American.
Super Bowl History: 5 Reasons It Became a Sports Marketing Giant
Alright, so after all of this, let’s break down the 5 key reasons why the Super Bowl has become the sports marketing giant that it is today:
- It’s The American Sport, deeply rooted in American culture.
- It represents American Exceptionalism at its finest.
- A unique combination of brutality and intellectuality that captivates both fans and players.
- It’s no longer just a sports event—it’s become a cultural phenomenon.
- The snowball effect of becoming the ultimate advertising event in the U.S.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Deep Traditions in American Culture
The Super Bowl isn’t just another sporting event; it’s the embodiment of American traditions. American football has deep roots, stretching all the way back to the 1860s, when it became more than just a game—it became a reflection of American values.
Over time, it’s become a symbol of the strength, perseverance, and competitive spirit that define the country. It’s no wonder that the Super Bowl, as the pinnacle of this all-American tradition, has evolved into something bigger than just a football game—it’s the celebration of what it means to be American.
This deep connection to American culture is what gives the Super Bowl its identity, turning it into an event that resonates with millions, regardless of whether they’re football fans or not.
American Exceptionalism
I really wasn’t that aware of the term American Exceptionalism, and this is one of the things that I’ve enjoyed learning about the most during this research.
According to T. Collins (2013), American football is an example of the country’s uniqueness. Football, with its rules and traditions, is a clear reflection of what sets the U.S. apart from other nations. It’s played professionally only in America, and it embodies the country’s culture of clarity, structure, and competition.
The Super Bowl itself, as the ultimate showcase of this uniquely American sport, has grown into something that’s not just a championship—it’s a global spectacle. This sense of exceptionalism is part of the reason the Super Bowl holds such power; it isn’t just a game—it’s the American game, capturing the essence of what makes the country stand out on the world stage.
Combination of Brutality and Intellectuality
Football has long been associated with brutality, and yes, there’s no denying that the physicality is a major part of its appeal. Troy Aikman nailed it when he said, “It’s the violence of the sport, the violence of the sport attracts us to the game” (Paolantonio, 2015). That raw intensity is what draws fans in, but here’s the thing: football isn’t just about the hits.
As Walter Camp, the father of American football, pointed out, it’s also an intellectual game. It’s a combination of strength and strategy, of power and brains. The best teams don’t just out-muscle their opponents—they out-think them, out-maneuver them, and out-execute them. It’s about quick decisions, mental toughness, and leadership.
That’s what makes football so compelling, and it’s exactly what makes the Super Bowl the ultimate showcase of both physical and intellectual prowess.
No Longer a Sports Event Only
The Super Bowl is no longer just about the game. Over time, it’s grown into a massive cultural phenomenon.
The halftime show? It’s as much of a draw as the game itself, bringing in some of the biggest pop stars in the world. The commercials? They’ve become an event all their own. Brands use the Super Bowl to showcase their creativity, unveil their biggest campaigns, and reach millions of viewers.
The Super Bowl has transformed into a hybrid of sports, entertainment, and marketing, a celebration of American culture in all its forms. It’s a place where fans, advertisers, and pop culture enthusiasts collide, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Main Advertising Event
And then there’s the advertising. Let’s be real—the Super Bowl is the advertising event of the year. Companies drop millions on 30-second spots because they know the exposure is unparalleled.
These aren’t just ads; they’re an opportunity for brands to create something memorable, to engage with millions of viewers in a way that no other event can. The Super Bowl has become synonymous with bold, creative marketing, and the snowball effect of this exposure has turned the event into a must-see for advertisers.
If you’re a brand, the Super Bowl is where you bring your A-game. It’s the place where advertisers make history.
Conclusion
So why has the Super Bowl become this massive marketing powerhouse? Well, it’s a combination of factors that all work together to make the Super Bowl more than just a football game. First, it’s The American Sport, deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and values. Then, there’s the idea of American Exceptionalism—the Super Bowl is a perfect reflection of the unique, exceptional nature of American football. It’s the perfect blend of brutality and intellectuality, where raw power and strategy go hand in hand, and it’s no longer just a sports event—it’s a cultural phenomenon that spans entertainment, music, and advertising. Finally, the snowball effect—as more and more brands see the value of the Super Bowl, it’s become the advertising event of the year.
But it’s more than just the numbers, the stats, or the commercials. The Super Bowl’s growth is about creating a space where fans, athletes, advertisers, and entertainers come together to make something bigger than the sum of its parts.
It’s about the energy, the excitement, and the connection we all feel when we watch, cheer, and experience it together. The Super Bowl is more than a game; it’s a celebration of what makes America unique—and that’s why millions of people keep coming back year after year.
Top 15 Most Historic Super Bowl Ads
Here are the most iconic and historic Super Bowl Ads (based on my and other bloggers views), that I will have reviewed using the Ad-Meter:
- McDonald’s – The Showdown
- 1984 Super Bowl APPLE MACINTOSH Ad by Ridley Scott
- Budweiser: Whassup?
- Snickers: You’re Not You When You’re Hungry
- Doritos: Free Doritos
- Amazon – Alexa Loses Her Voice
- Wendy’s – Where’s The Beef
- Pepsi – Cindy Crawford
- Tide – It’s A Tide Ad
- Nike – Hare Jordan
- Google – Parisian Love
- Volkswagen – The Force
- Coca-Cola – Hey Kid, Catch
- Always – #LikeaGirl
- Chevy’s Sopranos ad
Also, I invite you to learn more about on How To Make A Good Video Ad.

What is the History of the Super Bowl and American football?
Here are the key moments in Super Bowl history:
- 1869 – The first recorded American football game is played between Princeton and Rutgers, marking the beginning of the sport’s evolution.
- 1876 – The Massasoit Convention establishes the first formal rules of American football, with Walter Camp playing a key role in shaping the future of the game.
- 1905 – Walter Camp introduces further rules that define the modern version of American football, emphasizing the importance of structure and strategy.
- 1966 – The NFL and AFL agree to merge, setting the stage for the creation of the first Super Bowl.
- January 15, 1967 – The first Super Bowl (AFL-NFL World Championship Game) is played between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs.
- 1968 – Super Bowl II draws over 70 million viewers, and commercials begin to play a more significant role in the event’s cultural appeal.
- 1970 – The NFL and AFL officially merge into a single league, and the Super Bowl becomes an annual championship game.
- 1972 – The Miami Dolphins become the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
- 1984 – Apple’s “1984” ad airs during Super Bowl XVIII, marking the start of significant brand involvement in Super Bowl commercials.
- 1992 – The Super Bowl becomes the most-watched annual television event in the United States.
- 2007 – The cost of a 30-second Super Bowl ad surpasses $2 million for the first time.
- 2014 – Super Bowl XLVIII sees the Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8, marking the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history.
- 2024 – The 2024 Super Bowl becomes the second-most-watched TV broadcast in U.S. history, with over 123 million viewers, solidifying its position as the advertising and sports marketing giant.
Questions related to Super Bowl
When was the Super Bowl created?
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967.
Who was in the Super Bowl this year?
The teams in the 2024 Super Bowl were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Why is it called the Super Bowl?
The name was coined by Lamar Hunt, the founder of the AFL, inspired by the “Super Ball” toy.
Who won the 1st Super Bowl?
The Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs.
What is the purpose of the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the championship game to determine the NFL champion for the season.
How long is a Super Bowl game?
A Super Bowl game typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours, including halftime and commercials.
Why is the Super Bowl so popular?
The Super Bowl is popular because it combines sports, entertainment, and cultural events, attracting millions of viewers.
How long is halftime?
Halftime is typically around 12 to 15 minutes, but the Super Bowl halftime show is longer (about 20-30 minutes).
How many NFL teams are there?
There are 32 NFL teams.
What was the longest Super Bowl ever?
Super Bowl LI (51) lasted 4 hours and 1 minute, with the New England Patriots defeating the Atlanta Falcons.
Who has 6 Super Bowl rings?
Tom Brady holds the record with 7 Super Bowl rings, the most of any player.
What do players do during halftime Super Bowl?
Players typically rest, hydrate, and receive coaching adjustments. Some may also perform stretching and other routines to stay loose.
CITATION
Bakanauskas, P. (2025, January 20). Super Bowl History: 5 Reasons It Became a Sports Marketing Giant. Play of Values. https://playofvalues.com/super-bowl-history-sports-marketing/
IN-TEXT CITATION: (Bakanauskas, 2025)
List of References
- Akcay, O., Sun, Q.S. and Chen, L. (2013),“Perception of Super Bowl Xlvi TV advertisements in the USA: a case of college students”, International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 11-20.
- Camp, W. (1894). Football Facts and Figures: A symposium of Expert Opinions on the game’s place in American Athletics. Link.
- Choi, Y.S. and Yoh, T. (2011),“Exploring the effect of communication channels on sponsorship effectiveness: a case study of Super Bowl XLII”, International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, Vol. 9 Nos 1-2, pp. 75-93.
- Dotterweich, D.R. and Collins, K.S. (2005),“The practicality of super bowl advertising for new products and companies”, Journal of Promotion Management, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 19-31.
- Jeong, Y. and Tran, H. (2014),“Detecting pod position effects in the context of multi-segment sport programs: implications from four Super Bowl broadcasts”, Sport Marketing Quarterly, Vol. 23 No. 1, p. 5.
- Jin, H.S. (2003),“Compounding consumer interest”, Journal of Advertising, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 29-41.
- Kedmey, D. (2020, January 31). The evolution of Super Bowl Ads—And how business conquered the game. TIME. Link.
- Li, D., & Watanabe, N. M. (2022). Effects of Super Bowl advertising on online brand search: ten years of insights from 2011 to 2020. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 23(4), 841-854.
- Majidi, M. (2024, February 29). Topic: Super Bowl advertising in the U.S. Statista. Link.
- Mohr, I. (2007),“Super Bowl: a case study of buzz marketing”, International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 28-34.
- Newell, S.J., Henderson, K.V. and Wu, B.T. (2001),“The effects of pleasure and arousal on recall of advertisements during the Super Bowl” , Psychology and Marketing, Vol. 18 No. 11, pp. 1135-1153.
- Oriard, M. (2000). Reading football: How the popular press created an American spectacle. Univ of North Carolina Press.
- Paolantonio, S. (2015). How football explains America. Triumph Books.
- Reisman, D., & Denney, R. (1951). Football in America: A study in cultural diffusion. American Quaterly, 3.
- The Switch. (2024, February 12). Why has the Super Bowl become the biggest marketing event? – the Switch | EAE Barcelona. The Switch | EAE Barcelona. Link.
- Yelkur, R., Tomkovick, C. and Traczyk, R. (2004),“Super bowl advertising effectiveness: hollywood finds the games golden”, Journal of Advertising Research, Vol. 44 No. 1, pp. 143-159.
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